Arabic is full of colourful expressions. When two Egyptians meet, their greetings include inquiring after a person's health and family. The answer is always, "Everything is wonderful, al Hamdulillah" which means thanks be to Allah. It is not unusual to see two men embracing or kissing each other as a way of greeting.

Erabic is the official language of Egypt. Regional Arab dialects have different sounds and words. The Bedouin dialects differ from those spoken by the settled residents of the Nile Valley. Some people in the desert villages speak Berber rather than Arabic. Many educated Egyptians speak English or French as their second language.

Did you know? Arabic writing uses 28 letters and is read from right to left and from top to bottom of the page. Arabic is the language of the Qur'an, Islam's holy book.

Here is a list of Arabic words for you to try:

English Arabic Yes Aywa or na'am No La Please Minfadlak (if addressing a man) Minfadlek (if addressing a woman) Thank you Shukran Good Kuwayyis Welcome Ahlan wa sahlan Response to welcome Ahlan bik Hello Assalaamu aleikum Response to hello Wa aleikum assalaam If God wills it Insha Allah Thanks be to God Al Hamdulillah